The wrap up meeting for the 2014 American Tribute Ride was held recently. The day was a successful day with good weather, safe travels and some significant events occurred during the day, Saturday, July 26^th.

The ride started at Suburban Motors-Harley Davidson in Thiensville and traveled to Beechwood [northeast of Kewaskum] for a great lunch. After lunch the convoy headed for Greenbush, west of Plymouth, for a stop where an overwhelming reception was given to the riders as they arrived with food, refreshments and raffles.

From Beechwood the Ride took off for Belgium for another rest stop and refreshments, Belgium, Dan Rodriquez graced the airwaves with a few songs. Dan [The Singing Policeman from New York Police Department] was our honored guest who participated in our ride. Danny was a significant contributor to the Memorial Service following the ride in Random Lake.

The committee decided to support the following organizations with funds raised from the 2014 American Tribute Ride: Concerns of Police Survivors-Wisconsin Chapter, OVE House [located at King Home], Camp Hope for Kids, Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial, Kettle Moraine Honor Flight and Gear Up Foundation. Each of these organizations have positive affects for those that have suffered the loss of a loved one or honor those “Hometown Heroes” that have died serving our country.

The 2015 American Tribute Ride will be held on Saturday, April 25^th. More details will follow and be available on their website: americantributeride.com or Facebook page: American Tribute Ride.

The American Tribute Ride [ATR] Committee announced recently that this year they will be offering to all those that participate a Pancake Breakfast at Suburban Motors. Serving times will be 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Todd Berlin, Sales Manager for Suburban Harley will be the head chef. There will no charge for the meal. The ATR committee will ask for a donation which will be donated to one of our causes. 

“We know that a lot of people get up early to make it to our starting sponsor,” said Ron Naab, who is the chair of the American Tribute Ride. He went on to say, “This will be a great way to meet old friends and meet up with new ones along the way. Food is always good!” 

The Greenbush Fire Department, one of the stops along the route, will be hosting a Brat Fry at their station off WI-23. The event is open to the public which will start at 11:00 AM and serving to 3:00 PM. 

At Random Lake a Memorial Service will be conduct to honor those responders that died this past year while serving their country and communities.

Lance Corporal Jeremiah M. Collins, USMC of Milwaukee was killed on Oct. 5, 2013

Deputy Sheriff Mike Seversen, Polk County, killed in the line of duty on April 14, 2014

On Memorial Day weekend the American Tribute Ride Committee unveiled a new venue to pay tribute to those that serve our country and community as first responders. The American Tribute Ride float displays 8 USA flags and the logos of the 5 branches of military, Maltese Cross, Star of Life, and Law Enforcement Star along with silhouettes of various responders. The float is to serve as a tribute to those in our communities that devote their lives to helping others and to those that serve in our military to protect our home land and rights.

The float is constructed on a tandem axle trailer furnished by Hometown Towing of Lomira and was created by the joint efforts of Mark and Lori Muench.  The ATR committee intends to visit many parades in the Washington, Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Dodge Counties.  The float will be transported to the many events by a vehicle donated to use by Boucher Ford-West Bend.  The float was suggested to help promote the American Tribute Ride held the 4th Saturday of July every year.  "Funds from the ride are used to support those associations or organizations that support and honor our hometown heroes and their families.  Some of the entities that received money from the 2013 American Tribute Ride included: Concerns of Police Survivors, Veterans Home at King, Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial, Gear Up
Foundation, and Camp Hope For Kids.